Raves for ‘Celebration’

I hope it was only space limitations that prevented Michael Phillips from including a rave for David Engel’s contribution to “A Celebration of the Classic Hollywood Musicals” (“Dancing Down Memory Lane,” Feb. 3).

Engel was credited as the film sequence director, and as charming and personable as the “stars” were, the outstanding and consistent star was the film sequences on the screen. Smart, clever, masterfully edited, these mini-movies captured the essence of the stars onstage.

CRAIG A. MEYER

Glendale

*

Phillips’ reviews are straightforward and knowledgeable, and he’s a welcome addition to my theater world. But don’t people realize that without the musical director or conductor, or the band for that matter, all you have is a straight play?!

Case in point: Phillips’ review of “Classic Hollywood Musicals,” in which he mentioned in passing the glorious 26-piece orchestra and its conductor. Let’s hope that from now on, our local reviewers can give credit where credit is due to our much overlooked musicians, musical directors and conductors.

EVELYN ANDRIST

Rialto